Ex-Ref Issues ‘Careless’ Verdict On Aston Villa Star Konsa: Did The High Threshold For VAR Intervention Fail The Match? | OneFootball

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett spoke exclusively to Football Insider regarding the recent clash at the Vitality Stadium. He insists that Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa luckily avoided a serious penalty during the heated draw against Bournemouth on Saturday, February 7. This tricky moment forces referee Anthony Taylor to make a split-second call on a possible penalty. However, Hackett thinks the official made a mistake by letting the game go on.

The ex-FIFA referee argues that Konsa’s challenge looks careless. This means a foul definitely happens, even if people still argue about the exact spot. VAR often holds back unless the mistake is obvious. Because of this, Hackett wants a system where Taylor looks at the screen himself. He believes there is a clear case for a penalty and a yellow card for unsporting conduct.

The drama comes from one particular play where the 28-year-old England international bumps into an opponent. This contact leaves fans and experts arguing over whether it was legal. Hackett notices that Taylor has a great view of the incident.

Even so, the referee fails to see how careless the tackle is. Expert analysis suggests that the officiating crew likely gets stuck because they aren’t sure if the foul occurs in or out of the box. Hackett still says he can see a reason for a spot-kick.

He argues the infringement continues into the area. At the very least, the rulebook calls for a free kick and a booking for poor sportsmanship. The IFAB admits this blurry area causes constant headaches for officials. The whole situation shows the tension between a ref’s own eyes and the high bar IFAB sets for using technology.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “Anthony Taylor’s in a good position, but I see that as a careless challenge, which means it’s a foul.

“There’s an element of doubt over whether or not it’s a penalty. So, I would prefer in this situation for the referee to be allowed to go to the monitor.

“VAR say it’s not clear and obvious, but I can make the case that it’s a foul, and I can also make a case that it’s inside the area, and therefore, a penalty.

“At the minimum, it should be a free-kick. He could also yellow card the defender for unsporting behaviour, and the IFAB admit that this is a problem.” 

Did The High Threshold For VAR Intervention Fail The Match?

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa reacts after missing a chance during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Brentford at Villa Park on February 01, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

Anthony Taylor usually runs games with a firm hand. Still, this specific non-decision point out a regular problem with how refs work today. A defender makes a sloppy move that kills an attack. Letting it go just because the location is close to the line isn’t fair to anyone.

Hackett is right that the system needs to give referees more power to check these close calls. Instead, the current rules tie their hands. By choosing not to look at the replay, the officials basically look the other way on a foul. This proves that the “clear and obvious” rule often picks speed over getting it right. In the end, this likely robs Bournemouth of a real chance to score.